How to Repair a Table Lamp

Replace a faulty socket, cracked cord or damaged plug.

By Gary Wentz

From The Family Handyman Originally in How to Repair a Table Lamp

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About This Project

Overview and Preparation

Step-by-Step Pictures and Instructions To Replace a Faulty Socket

Step-by-Step Pictures and Instructions To Replace a Cracked Cord

Step-by-Step Pictures and Instructions To Replace a Problem Plug

See More Lighting Projects

With a handful of parts and about 30 minutes, you can fix almost any lamp—and make it safe as well.

When a lamp flickers or doesn’t light up at all, chances are that one of the parts has gone bad. In this article, we’ll show you how to replace all the key parts. But don’t overlook the obvious: no power or a bad bulb. Try a new bulb and plug the lamp into a different outlet before taking things apart.

If that doesn’t work, operate the switch. It should turn on and off without flickering. Next, unplug the lamp and inspect the cord and plug. If you can’t find any obvious problems, replace all the electrical parts. It only takes a few more minutes than replacing just one, and the parts usually cost less than $10.